Chapter 2: Approach meeting people as a treasure hunt [Editor’s note: This begins a series taken directly from Bonnie Ross-Parker’s book, Y.O.U. Set a High Standard for Being Human. We will publish a chapter each month though 2009] Approach Meeting People As A Treasure Hunt | 2 “I initiate conversation instead of waiting for someone to talk to me.” Did you ever play a game on the beach looking for the treasures that the vast ocean may have spilled on to the shore? Or perhaps buried deep in the sand you found a perfect shell or starfish. Remember the excitement you experienced? Did you find a treasure like a shark’s tooth or a silver shell you didn’t expect? NULL
People are treasures in life. You don’t know when you strike up a conversation with a stranger what treasure they may bring to you.
Often, we pass up learning about someone because of the way they look, where they are from, or we’re just to busy too stop and connect. You never know. The person you take the time to learn about may be just the person to help you improve your business or life. Or most importantly, that person could become another friend. Here are some ways to fill your life with the treasure of people. Eliminate Judgment – Get Past Appearances Criticism is a powerful energy and can impact your ability to be successful.
Criticism is a form of resistance and can hold you back from developing rewarding and nurturing relationships with others.
Become aware when you are judging people by the clothes they wear, the way they look, or how they talk. At networking events or social functions introduce yourself to people who look as if they are there for the first time or seem to be uncomfortable. Identify something to compliment a person on to start a conversation.. When you judge someone you are secretly saying to yourself “I am not confident so I must make myself be better than someone else to feel good.” Make yourself aware when you start criticizing someone in your mind and change your behavior immediately to a positive thought. When you take the time to see good things in others it makes you feel good and changes the energy around you. Be Inquisitive – Ask Questions Ask questions that inspire conversation. I know a man who used to ask people when he first met them what their passion was in life. He never had a dull conversation. Start with some of these questions: What’s your passion? What makes you happy? How did you meet your spouse, best friend, or partner? If you could be anyone in the world, who would you be and why? What’s your purpose in life? Hi, I’m Joe. You look like a fascinating person and I’d like to learn about you. People love to talk about themselves, give them the chance and listen attentively. Expect To Meet Interesting Individuals – Look For Them
Seek out the most interesting person in the room when at social events. Remember – you always have something to offer that someone else can benefit from.
Strike up conversations while in airports, bookstores, and restaurants, waiting in lines, networking events, hotels and many more places. The opportunities are unlimited. Follow your intuition if you believe you are supposed to talk to someone – sometimes the universe has a way of putting people together – act on that intuition. Work At Expanding Your Contact Base – Participate In Diverse Activities Set a goal each week of the number of new people you want to meet. Join a class. Sign up to volunteer somewhere in your community.
Being on a team that supports others can give you a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. It is a way to build a positive energy field around you.
Be Open Minded To New Situations Embrace new adventures or ideas. Ask yourself how you can learn something new when feeling bored or hesitant to participate in new adventures or activities. Look at opportunities with a different perspective. Embrace new opportunities with a mindset that you were meant to receive new information or opportunities. Do something your would not normally do – break your routine. Involve yourself in things you desire but were hesitant to take action. It only takes one step to move forward.
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Bonnie is the author of several books including Walk In My Boots: The Joy of Connecting, shifting your consciousness to share yourself with others:Y.O.U. ~ Set A High Standard for Being Human showing how our journey impacts others and the journey of others impacts our own.
She is also a contributing author to What We Talk About When We’re Over Sixty by Sherri Davis and Linda Hughes and Atlanta’s Real Women by Linda Hughes and Christine Martinello and several others where she describes how a mother copes with the loss of a child.
Her most recent book, Discovery and Recovery: A Shared Journey chronicles her 8-month challenge with Breast Cancer taking the reader through the entire process from diagnoses thru chemo, surgery, radiation and recovery. It is available on-line at no charge.
www.bonnierossparker.com/discovery-and-recovery/download.php
Bonnie has received numerous awards.Among them, the Athena International Award Program, the Toastmaster’s International Communication and Leadership Award, and she was also recognized as a Georgia Woman of Influence by The Woman’s Leadership Exchange of New York.
In May, 2010, Bonnie was recognized as a distinguished business woman – part of the Princess Diana Tour/Atlanta. In November, 2014 Bonnie was acknowledged by North Point Magazine (Atlanta) as being 1 of 11 recipients to be featured in their cover story: “Savvy & Successful – Our Annual Tribute to Local Inspiring Women”
In December, 2014, The Atlanta Business & Entertainment Exchange presented her with the Leadership Award with the inscription: “Thank you for your commitment and dedication to the Atlanta Community”. In October 2016 Bonnie received The Legacy Award at The Living Legacy Summit of Atlanta for being an advocate for female professionals and entrepreneurs. The following month, WE Rock Organization honored her with The Pioneer Award also for her unwavering support of women in business.
While she has faced and overcome many challenges, Bonnie Ross-Parker has never lost her focus and enthusiasm for life. She believes that the possibilities are endless for those who value and nurture relationships.
Bonnie is a working example of what is possible when we focus, take action and chart our own course.She has spent her entire life encouraging women to do just that. She continues to be a tireless mentor of women helping them to maximize collaborative vs. competitive relationships.
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